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How to Use the Scientific Method OnLine Lab
This is a two part website: the first part is a tutorial on the scientific method. The second part is a
simulation of an experiment on crickets. You will actually get to design your experiment and
collect data. You will want to have a pencil and paper ready to record data and where you can
write down your results. You will get an opportunity to test several different variables and
determine if they affect how fast or slow a cricket chirps.
You will see the screen to the right when you log
on. You DO NOT need to log in with a user name
or password, just click on the continue button to
get to the next page.
The next page has a place where you can input your name.
Do so, click continue, and then you will get the actual start
page, where you can follow the instructions for the tutorial
and for the cricket experiment.
Do the tutorial and then the Cricket
Experiment.
Name: ____________________________________ Block: ______ Date: ________________
Virtual Scientific Method Lab: What Makes a Cricket Chirp?
Question: Some say that if you listen to the sound of a cricket chirping, you can
determine the temperature. Is this true or is it just an urban legend? Do any
other factors affect how fast a cricket will chirp, such as humidity, wind,
atmospheric pressure, or nearby crickets?
Procedure: You will use a virtual lab to test a cricket subject.
Log on to:
http://webapp.gccaz.edu/academic/biology/scientific_method/
Materials:
Virtual Lab Handout
Computer with Internet Access
Procedure:
1. Do the tutorial on scientific method first.
2. Follow the instructions for investigating the role of environmental variables on cricket chirps.
For your investigation, choose values that are high and low to get a wide range of data.
3. Enter your results in the data charts provided. You need to record on your paper as you
go because this website does not work well if you use the back button!
4. Graph your results by hand using the blank graphs you insert below each data table.
5. Discuss the results of your experiment including whether or not your data supported your
hypothesis, any sources of error, and suggestions for improvements to the experimental
design.
***Directions for how to use the website are on the last page of this packet.***
Write a hypothesis for your experiment (which factor increases cricket chirping) in the “If…then”
format.
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Identify the independent variables in your different experiments: _________________________
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Identify the dependent variable in all of your experiments: ______________________________
Since you are not necessary a cricket expert, you will have to do some exploration by running
different tests on different factors that could affect cricket chirping. Record your data in the
tables on the following page.
Why is it important to test only one variable at a time? _________________________________
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Data Tables:
Effect of Wind Speed on
Cricket Chirp Rate
Wind Speed
Chirp Rate
(m/sec)
(chirps/min)
Effect of Nearby Crickets on
Cricket Chirp Rate
Wind Speed
Chirp Rate
(m/sec)
(chirps/min)
Effect of Temperature on
Cricket Chirp Rate
Temperature
Chirp Rate
(celcius)
(chirps/min)
Effect of Atmospheric on
Cricket Chirp Rate
Pressure
Chirp Rate
(mm Hg)
(chirps/min)
Effect of Humidity on Cricket
Chirp Rate
Humidity
Chirp Rate
(%)
(chirps/min)
Graph the results of your experiments on the following page. Make sure each graph has a title,
labeled axes, and correct units. You can do the graphs on a separate sheet of graph paper, or
on this digital copy. If you do a good job, you can turn them in for up to 5 points extra credit
Wind Speed
Temperature
Humidity
Independent Variable
Nearby Crickets
Atmosphere
Discussion:
Discuss the results of your experiment including 1) whether or not your data supported your
hypothesis, 2) any sources of error, and 3) suggestions for improvements to the experimental
design.
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